Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent New Year’s address reiterated China’s claim to Taiwan, referring to Taiwanese people as “compatriots” and “one family.” This assertion underscores Beijing’s long-held position that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory, a claim further emphasized by ongoing military exercises near the island and recent incursions by Chinese coast guard vessels into Taiwanese-controlled waters near the Kinmen Islands. These actions fuel rising tensions, exacerbated by continued US arms sales to Taiwan.
The Kinmen Islands, located a short distance from the Chinese mainland, have served as a focal point of conflict since the Chinese Civil War. Despite their proximity, China has never successfully seized control of these strategically important islands. This enduring challenge is perhaps most dramatically illustrated by the pivotal Battle of Guningtou (also known as the Battle of Kinmen) in October 1949.
The establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on October 1, 1949, marked the culmination of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) protracted struggle against the Nationalist Kuomintang Party (KMT), which subsequently retreated to Taiwan, establishing the Republic of China (ROC). The PRC viewed the recapture of Taiwan as crucial to national reunification and the elimination of the ROC. However, securing the strategically vital Kinmen and Matsu islands was deemed a necessary precursor to any invasion of Taiwan.
Kinmen, comprising thirteen islets, became a primary target for the PRC. An ambitious amphibious assault was launched, beginning with an initial wave of 9,000 soldiers, followed by a planned second wave of 10,000, aiming to secure the entire island within three days. Underestimating the island’s defenses, the Communists believed the ROC forces were depleted and poorly equipped following the Civil War.
In reality, the Nationalist defenders had meticulously prepared. Kinmen was fortified with extensive minefields (approximately 7,455 mines), numerous earthen bunkers (around 200), and beach obstacles designed to impede amphibious landings. Furthermore, experienced troops, including veterans from the Burma campaign, were stationed, bolstered by American-made M5A1 Stuart tanks. This robust defense proved crucial in repelling the Communist assault.
The battle commenced at dawn on October 25, 1949, with hundreds of Chinese wooden fishing boats carrying PLA soldiers approaching Kinmen. The initial landings at Guningtou, Huawei, and Lungkou were met with fierce resistance. Nationalist forces unleashed a barrage of machine gun, artillery, and mortar fire, effectively destroying many PRC landing craft using incendiaries and grenades. M5A1 tanks further hampered the advance of the invading forces.
Despite significant casualties, the Communist forces persevered, awaiting reinforcements. On October 26, approximately 1,000 soldiers breached ROC positions. However, the Nationalists, utilizing tanks, artillery, and air support from P-51 and P-47 aircraft, launched a series of counterattacks, regaining control of Guningtou by evening and effectively cutting off the remaining PRC troops.
The fighting concluded on October 27, with the remaining Communist forces, depleted of food and ammunition, overwhelmed in a final assault. Over 5,000 PLA soldiers were taken prisoner of war, resulting in a humiliating defeat for the Communist forces.
While the defeat at Guningtou did not deter China’s ambitions regarding Kinmen, subsequent attempts, such as the July 1950 assault on Dadan Island, also failed. Continued US support for Taiwan, and the potential for escalation into a larger conflict with the US military, ultimately prevented China from pursuing further direct military confrontation.